pugnacious

pugnacious Definition

pug·na·cious (pug nā′s̸həs)

adjective

eager and ready to fight; quarrelsome; combative

Etymology: < L pugnax, combative < pugnare, to fight (< IE base *peuĝ-, to punch > Gr pygmē, fist, L pungere, to pierce) + -ous

pugnacious Related Forms

pug·na′·ciously adverb pug·nac′·ity (-nas′ə tē) noun or pug·na′·cious·ness

pugnacious Synonyms

modif.

belligerent, defiant, antagonistic, combative; see quarrelsome 1, rebellious 2, 3. See syn. study at belligerent.

pugnacious Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

style: Rich Blake has expressed interest in the position of Tacklemaster next year and I feel his pugnacious style would suit the job.
church: Brayne would pour supplies into the impoverished and pugnacious Church of France; he would support six Nationalist newspapers like The Guillotine.
character: Renowned for their pugnacious character the support were ' wee bullies ' and hence the Bully Wee.

Modifying Another Word

rather: The Chairman: You seem rather pugnacious and will be fined 80s. , including costs.
typically: In typically pugnacious style he reprimanded the senators for failing to contact him and inform him of the charges before the report was released.

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